Death Penalty Revisited : Response to Deadline

Race and Class
Looking at the cases of David Keaton or Anthony Porter, it certainly seems that the death penalty is not equally applied, at least from these Illinois cases. Both men were wrongly accused of crimes that they did not commit and came close to being killed for them. Statistically, more low- income people, or people of color  are more likely to receive the Death Penalty. This fact for people of low income is probably a result of poor defense. A lawyer provided by the state is likely not to have any real experience for Death Row cases therefore having inadequate knowledge to defend their client. People that do not have enough money for sometimes basic living most often cannot afford the hefty fees that come with employing top attorneys. As well I can understand why race has a large impact on decisions. I think there is a hidden racism that is still present in the minds of certain people that blacks are of a lower class status than whites, and have a reputation for being violent. Therefore, a judge could make his decision arbitrarily based upon the fact the he values the life of a white man more that that of one who is black. I dont' think that there should be any excuse for our justice system not to be color blind, separating personal opinions from the law is the job of the justices system, not to impose their beliefs upon a trial.

Law and Politics
There are currently over 3,000 men and women sentenced to death in the United States. Approximately 65 percent of American voters approve of the death penalty in states where capital punishment is legal. Since the foundation of this country I believe there have been many different definitions of justice. For some people such as the 65% this means capurting a criminal, and making sure they cannot victimize someone else again. But why doesn't this propsition end at the death ? There is also a feeling among the public that crims must be met with equal punishiment. Like hamurabis code, and eye for an eye, life for a life.

( Why do you think the death penalty is so widely supported in this country? What forces do you think shape public opinion on the death penalty?)

Out with a bang, or a lethal injection, or electrocution....

The aspects of the justice system that are designed to protect the rights of the accused are the numerous trials and review. The preliminary hearing determines the basis upon which the defendant is being tried for a possible sentence of death. In order for such a case to be carried out there must be sufficent evidence that  they should have such a trial. The court would not proceed unless they were certian about the guilt of the defendant. In terms of the actuall execution of a prisoner on death row there are a few different options. The most humane and widley used is lethal injection. In this process the inmate is strapped down to a table and hooked up with intravenous needles (one as a backup). The injections start with a saline solution , and then three different drugs are injected each with a specific purpose. Sodium Thiopetol immediatley puts the recipent of the injection to sleep, therfore making the following steps painless as they are unaware of what is occouring. The rest of the cocktail stops both muscle and respiratory movements. Overall this method seems very humane, and if I were to have to pick my death it would be my primary choice. The same cannot be said of the other four methods which include : firing squad, hanging, posioning, and electrocution. All of which I would consider to be very cruel and painful- to be continued...

Urine, who gives?

In my opinion I don't really think that this should be that big of a deal. I think that the School District had a very legitimate reason to want to test students for drugs. Refering back to the case of Morse v. Frederick the school has a right to be concerned about and prevent student drug use. By iplementing this policy the hope is that more students will refrain from drug use. And, for those students that are found to be using drugs, they will recieve assistance. Who can argue with such a policy? As for comments about a lack of priviacy, I think they are not important. Every day someone decides to go to the bathroom, chances are that someone is in the stall next to them, therfore it shouldn't be a problem for them to have to produce a sample with an observer listening. The court agrees and said " we conclude that the invasion of students' privacy is not significant." The school's desire to ensure students are healthy and drug free certianly outweights any of the negatives or discomfort that may be caused to some students.